The purpose of the Representative for Children and Youth’s (RCY) reviews and investigations of child deaths and critical injuries is to identify and thoughtfully analyze issues, particularly in service delivery. The intent is to help prevent similar deaths or injuries in the future and to inform improvements to services.

On March 9, MLA Gordon Hogg introduced the Safe Care Act to the British Columbia Legislature, a Private Member’s Bill that would permit the involuntary confinement of children and youth with severe substance misuse issues, or those being sexually exploited.

Representative Bernard Richard and Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux today completed the signing of a comprehensive protocol agreement which has the purpose of ensuring a clear, mutual understanding of their organizations’ respective roles and mandates regarding communication and information sharing.

Underfunding of Delegated Aboriginal Agencies (DAAs) may mean Indigenous children are being removed from their homes and placed in care simply because the funds are not there to provide support services to their families, finds a report released today by B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth.

Bernard Richard has been confirmed by the British Columbia Legislature as the province’s second Representative for Children and Youth.

Richard’s appointment was confirmed today in a unanimous vote of MLAs for a five-year term as Representative, pursuant to section 2 of the Representative for Children and Youth Act. Prior
to confirmation, he served as Acting Representative since Nov. 27, 2016.

The purpose of the Representative for Children and Youth’s reviews and investigations of child deaths and critical injuries is to identify and thoughtfully analyze issues, particularly in service delivery. The intent is to help prevent similar deaths or injuries in the future and to inform improvements to services.

Lacking any permanent connection to his family and culture and without the mental health supports that might have made a difference, an 18-year-old Métis youth in care took his own life in an act of desperation, says an investigative report issued today by British Columbia’s Acting Representative for Children and Youth.

This report provides an overview of the Office's work on behalf of the vulnerable children and youth of B.C. over the past year and a plan reflecting on future goals and objectives. It describes the activities of the Office during 2015/16 and outlines our planned strategic initiatives for 2016/17 and 2017/18.